Bioinspired host-tailored polymers based on molecular imprinting for cytokine assessment

Molecular imprinting undergone a substantial boost driven by the awareness of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs)-ligand recognition skills. In particular, the introduction of natural-based compounds like cyclodextrins into the structural scaffold of synthetic recognition elements attracted great importance as a novel route to design more friendly-environments for protein binding, while promoting higher selectivity features. Herein, carbon electrodes doped with platinum nanoparticles supported on multiwalled carbon nanotubes and functionalized with polyallylamine (MWCNTs-PAH/Pt) were electrochemically modified with an imprinted sensing layer of poly(β-cyclodextrin-pyrrole) (poly(β-CD-Py)) towards interleukin 6 (IL-6) monitoring. The analytical performance of the biosensor was evaluated by using Cyclic Voltammetry and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy techniques. Along the assembly, experimental parameters like nanomaterial deposition, monomer-protein concentrations and template removal solutions were carefully optimized and discussed. Furthermore, the electrodeposited film was characterized in terms of composition, morphology and structure using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy. Under optimal conditions, the developed sensor was able to rebind IL-6 over a wide linear range [1 pg/mL – 100 ng/mL], displaying high sensitivity, quick electrochemical response, and specific binding of the target molecule. Overall, this work reported the relevance of using host-guest complexes directly embedded in polymeric chains to generate newly controlled electrochemical sensors holding great potential for protein biosensing.